Spring Spawning Bluegills: How and Where to Catch Bluegill in Spring

Bluegills thrive in ponds, lakes, and calm backwaters of rivers and reservoirs. They prefer warm, still water and avoid current. You’ll find them most often near shorelines, especially around submerged structure like sticks, stumps, lily pads, and aquatic vegetation. If there are largemouth bass nearby, bluegills likely are too—they often share similar habitat preferences.

Spring and early summer mark the prime time for catching bluegills as they move into the shallows to spawn. Spawning usually begins when water temperatures reach about 65°F and peaks near 75°F. This behavior is similar to the rut in deer hunting—male bluegills become more aggressive and territorial, offering the angler excellent action.

During this time, male bluegills create nests in sandy or muddy bottoms in 2 to 6 feet of water, often near shore. These nests look like saucer-shaped depressions and are grouped together in large colonies called “bedding areas.” You can often see the males hovering over the beds, guarding them from intruders.

How to Fish the Beds

Fishing during the spawn can be incredibly productive. Cast your bait or jig into the bedding area and let it settle into a nest. Slowly retrieve it or twitch it in place. Aggressive males will strike out of instinct, defending their nest. Often, you’ll catch a fish on nearly every cast when you're on an active bed.

Keep in mind, most fish you catch on the beds will be males. Female bluegills typically stay just outside the beds in slightly deeper water until they move in to lay eggs. After spawning, they return to the deeper edges or weedlines to recover and feed.

Some bluegills will spawn a second time in late spring or early summer, particularly in fertile lakes or southern waters. This second wave usually happens around late May through early June. Keep checking the same areas where you found spring spawners—beds may appear again and hold fresh groups of fish.

As summer progresses, bluegills abandon their nests and move to deeper water. You’ll find them in 8 to 12 feet of water near weed edges, submerged brush, stake beds, and boat docks. They often suspend just above the bottom or hide in the shadows of thick cover.

One of the best things about bluegill fishing is how simple and affordable it can be. For the ultimate fun and effectiveness, use light or ultralight tackle.

• Rod: 5–6.5 ft ultralight or light spinning rod
• Reel: Small spinning reel (size 500–1000)
• Line: 2–4 lb test monofilament for stealth and sensitivity
• Hooks: Size 8 to 12 hooks or small jigs; bluegills have tiny mouths

Young anglers and beginners can do great with a simple cane pole or a basic spincast combo. Just be sure whatever setup you use is reliable—frustration with tangled or malfunctioning gear can ruin the experience for a first-timer.